The  County Government of Uasin Gishu has launched an ultra-modern Eldoret City breastfeeding space with the capacity to accommodate upto 15 children at a time and provide adequate breastfeeding support in the work place.

The space primarily targets County staff by ensuring more convenient and efficient experience for them thereby enhancing public service delivery, while they take care of their young ones.

The initiative by Governor Jonathan Bii's administration underscores the vital importance of ensuring that every mother receives the support and resources she needs to breastfeed exclusively, fostering the optimal growth and development of her child.

Speaking while officially launching  the breastfeeding space, the spouse to Governor Bii, Salina Bii, noted that breastfeeding is more than a natural practice.

She noted that it is a fundamental pillar of child health and nutrition, providing essential nutrients and antibodies, bolstering the immune system and setting the stage for a healthy future therefore reducing maternal health risks and providing a cost-effective form of immunity.

"We recognize breastfeeding as a crucial element of child health and various programs have been implemented to encourage and support breastfeeding," said Mrs Bii accompanied by her husband.

She further encouraged other institutions to adopt this model that fosters a wider network of safe and supportive breastfeeding environments to ensure that every mother has a dedicated space to care for her child, thus enhancing maternal and child health across the county.

County Lands Executive Dr Janet Kosgei who represented her  Health Services counterpart Dr Abraham Serem  noted that  the breastfeeding model will not be limited to the Uasin Gishu District Hospital and are replicating this facility across all the county facilities, ensuring that breastfeeding mothers have access to the same level of support and comfort.

"By promoting exclusive breastfeeding for the first six months and continuing for two years and beyond, we are taking a crucial step towards closing the gap in maternal and child health,"said Dr Kosgei.

She added that space is important for enhancing inclusivity of the mothers thus encouraging young mothers to have children and utilise the space as they work on their duties.

Promotive and Preventive Health Chief Officer Dr Paul Wangwe urged other institutions to be cognizant and ensure that babies get proper nutrition by embracing such programs.

The new breastfeeding space will provide:Private Booths to ensure mothers can breastfeed comfortably and discreetly.

Among other features, it will have a Breast Milk Cooler that will keep expressed milk fresh and safe,Child-friendly areas that will house toys, changing, nap, and play areas to engage and care for children.

It also has a Hand-washing Station to promote hygiene for both mothers and children and lastly an entertainment and rest areas designed to support the overall comfort of mothers.

Others who attended the launch included Chief Officers:  Marion Birgen (Education),Victorine Kapkiai (Economic Planning),Ruth Samoei (Cooperatives),Directors: Dr Evans Kiprotich (Health),Dr Sarah Kipkulei (Planning and Administration) and Faith Seroney (Branding).